Avartana, the trailblazing guided-dining experience redefines peninsular Indian cuisine. Already making waves, it ranks #30 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and #6 in TripAdvisor’s World’s Best of the Best. Now presents this Innovative Southern Indian Cuisine in Mumbai, Showcasing Authentic Flavours and Global Culinary Expertise from the Renowned ITC Hotels Repertoire. The name ‘Avartana,’ derived from Sanskrit, evokes images of rhythm, mysticism, and enchantment. Embodying these qualities, the restaurant’s dishes present a fusion of magical artistry.
Each creation showcases a modernist reinterpretation and progressive rendition, while remaining deeply connected to the traditional flavours and ingredients of subcontinental India. Born from the visionary ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, Avartana mesmerizes with its pioneering approach, artfully bridging the enchanting flavours of diverse subcontinental Indian states with modern techniques. This award-winning brand showcases an innovative approach to Southern Indian cuisine, drawing inspiration from ITC Hotels’ renowned culinary repertoire. Everything from the décor to the cuisine presents South Indian traditions with a modern twist. Think lamb brain fritters, infused tomato rasam, idiyappam with asparagus and coconut stew and fennel panna cotta!
The focus is on reimagining South Indian food, from presentation to the degustation menus, while maintaining the authenticity of flavour. Guests can choose from a seven-course tasting menu to a 13-course seafood menu. The restaurant’s offerings have travelled to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata in pop-ups. With successful establishments in ITC Grand Chola and ITC Royal Bengal, Avartana now sets foot in Mumbai, incorporating authentic flavours that trace back to the heart of peninsular India.
Their esteemed chefs meticulously select the finest, freshest ingredients and seasonal produce to craft inventive recipes. These recipes blend flavours from across the Southern Indian Peninsula with culinary techniques from around the world. The result is a harmonious convergence of robust flavours and cutting-edge twentyfirst century technologies, transforming fine dining into an evolved form of culinary artistry.
A FUSION OF FAMILIAR AND MODERN FLAVOURS
On offer is a culinary experience that combines the familiar essence of local spices, delicate broths, infused oils, fresh coconut, and aromatic curry leaves with a touch of modernity. This fine dining establishment takes pride in presenting timeless flavours in visually stunning presentations, catering to every indulgent palate. The menu features five carefully crafted guided dining experiences, each with its own unique charm. Maya, a seven-course meal, entices diners with its mystical culinary creations. Bela, a nine-course feast, showcases masterfully designed works of art. Jiaa, an eleven-course chef’s curation, promises to warm the soul with its inspired offerings. Anika, a thirteencourse extravaganza, tantalizes taste buds with gracefully curated dishes.
Tara, also a thirteen-course affair, focuses primarily on seafood and delights guests with its iconic coastal presentations. All menus offer a stellar selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. To enhance the dining experience, Avartana presents a tantalizing range of mocktails and cocktails infused with Indian spices. These refreshing beverages perfectly complement the flavours of the menu, providing a harmonious blend of tastes. It goes beyond traditional a la carte dining to reinvent and redefine the culinary landscape.
It brilliantly showcases the distinct flavours of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, infusing them with creativity and innovation The kitchen explores the rich flavours of Kerala, incorporating treasured Ghee, Uthukuli Butter, and Mango Ginger sourced from Andhra Pradesh. Chennai’s Sago and Jaggery, Tamil Nadu’s Mochai Beans, and Telangana’s Tamarind are deconstructed into captivating delicacies that tantalize the senses and enchant the mind. Led by a talented brigade of chefs, Avartana takes diners on a guided culinary journey filled with small yet extraordinary bites.
Picture the Spiced Aubergine and Sago, an explosion of flavours wrapped in a roasted eggplant sheet and accentuated by a Byadagi chili emulsion. Experience the Sago Yogurt, a reinterpretation of the classic Bagala Bath, accompanied by an exotic dried berry tamarind sauce. Indulge in the Fennel Panacotta egg dessert, served in a bird’s nest and accompanied by a miniature hammer for cracking it open. Avartana is a testament to the artistry of flavours, where each dish is a masterpiece that delights and surprises with its immaculate presentation and harmonious blend of ingredients.
WHERE SOUTH INDIAN TRADITION MEETS CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
Stepping into Avartana, one is instantly mesmerized by the luxurious ambiance that ITC signature restaurants are renowned for. A recurring motif throughout the design and decor is the auspicious banana leaf, symbolizing the rich heritage of the South. The restaurant exudes the warmth and hospitality of the region with its tranquil colour scheme, light-coloured wood, and silver-hued fabric upholstery. Copper and amber accents, along with vintage touches of brass, create a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements in the furniture. Every aspect of the dining experience at Avartana showcases meticulous attention to detail.
The crockery and cutlery exude rustic charm with earthenware in earthy shades and bamboo holders, while ornate steel cutlery and contemporary glassware add a touch of sophistication. For those seeking an exclusive and intimate experience, Avartana offers a Private Dining Room that accommodates up to 10 guests, providing a bespoke meal with impeccable service.
The chandelier in the room is a stunning representation of a quintessential Kerala houseboat’s cove design, adding a touch of enchantment to the space. Avartana takes traditional South Indian cuisine and presents it in a modernist interpretation, creating a luxurious and redefined culinary experience. Each dish on the menu is a work of art, surprising guests with its innovative presentation and showcasing the rich culinary mosaic of the region. Prepare to be captivated by a magical and unforgettable journey at Avartana.
Awarded the “Best food writer in the country” by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.